Every Friday night is a time for people of all ages to perform and mingle with like-minded folks during an open-mic night at Sam’s Pizzeria and Cafe on Main Street in Northampton.
Owner Sam Harbey started the tradition when he first opened in June 2007.
“I always wanted to do local music and local art,” Harbey said. “We get some really good musicians, but it’s still comfortable for people who are just starting out.”
A man who goes only by “Burrie” was the host last Friday and his playlist was full from 9 p.m. until midnight. Most performers play three songs.
Peter Smolenski of Northampton was among them, singing and strumming his Martin guitar.
“I have so many projects. I had to come down and release some energy. Now I can go home and work on them,” he said.
Rodney Rewis of Florence accompanied other performers by playing drums. He had just been to the Iron Horse Music Hall in town to hear Tuck and Patti when the idea to sit it on some songs struck him.
Another percussionist, who goes by Conga Bob, also played, as he has been for more than seven years, according to Harbey.
Perhaps the performer with the most open-mic experience Friday was Grant Carrington, 78, of Northampton. Carrington has been playing open-mic nights since his first one in Washington, D.C., on June 17, 1966 — 50 years ago.
“It’s a way to have fun and meet people, not to make money, as any artist will tell you,” Carrington said.